Des Moines Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Des Moines in the United States is $91,694. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $44. Salaries at Des Moines typically range from $80,126 to $105,002 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Des Moines Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Des Moines. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Deputy Chief Information Officer, with an annual salary of $204,824. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Des Moines

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Des Moines. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Des Moines’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Des Moines's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
University Hong Kong Student Association $102,643
+11.9%
Data suggests University Hong Kong Student Association's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Christopher Newport University $89,479
-2.4%
Confirms Christopher Newport University is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Board of Trustees, Freight Drivers and Helpers Local Union No 557 $99,795
+8.8%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Board of Trustees, Freight Drivers and Helpers Local Union No 557's sector.
Los Alamitos Unified School District $108,845
+18.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Los Alamitos Unified School District targets.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+25.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Des Moines

Considering a career at Des Moines? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Greater emphasis on timely communication would significantly enhance service quality. Effective leadership training. Excellent support from leadership and peers. A strong culture of mutual respect prevails among colleagues, regardless of their specific role, seniority, or background.
What makes this education system exceptional is its ability to leverage scale while nurturing individual potential. Staff are polite and try to help. Opportunities to impact communities directly.
The team is generally professional, but response times vary. The workplace culture emphasizes mutual respect and service to the community. Strong mentorship from experienced colleagues. What I appreciate most is how the organization balances innovation with tradition, always putting student success first. New ideas are welcomed, and feedback is taken seriously. Very knowledgeable team members who ...
Professional learning communities are robust and genuinely collaborative. Pay is okay, but raises are infrequent. The commitment to public service inspires all employees, making work meaningful and rewarding every day. It’s always a pleasure to work with them.
The compensation is fair, benefits are comprehensive, and the retirement plan is excellent. Flexible work arrangements and wellness programs help maintain a healthy work-life balance. The inclusive, respectful culture promotes collaboration and innovation. What stands out is how the organization adapts to educational trends while maintaining core values. Processes take time and decision-making oft...

Des Moines Overview

Website
www.dsm.city
Founded In
1851
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1330 Mulberry St Des Moines Iowa IA 50309
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 5152834868
Social Media
About Des Moines
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County.

What Benefits Does Des Moines Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Des Moines offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Des Moines.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Des Moines, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Des Moines salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Des Moines

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Des Moines?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Des Moines is approximately from $80,126 to $105,002. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Des Moines pay compared to University Hong Kong Student Association?

The average annual salary at Des Moines is $91,694, or an hourly wage of $44, in comparison to University Hong Kong Student Association which pays $102,643 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Des Moines?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Des Moines due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Des Moines?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Des Moines, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Des Moines in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Des Moines in Des Moines is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Des Moines and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Des Moines" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Des Moines differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Des Moines can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.